Women Illuminate Bihar’s Future: Their Growing Role in the State’s Power Sector
Bihar's Energy and Planning and Development Minister Mr. Bijendra Prasad Yadav says that it is the result of Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar's resolve for women empowerment that today the flag of development in the state is in the hands of women. They are achieving great heights in every field. With full confidence, they are shaping the future of the state and the country along with themselves.
Mr. Yadav said that the field of energy is also not untouched by them. They are playing their role very well in the campaign to light up every house in Bihar. They are engaged in illuminating the entire Bihar by holding the torch of light.
There was a time when women used to think a thousand times before stepping out of the threshold of their homes in the state immersed in darkness all around. Today women are making their important contribution in the development of the power sector. Whether it is the field of power generation or transmission and distribution, women are making their strong presence felt in all the fields related to power. Their strong presence is also visible in the field of management, information technology, storage, security. Their enthusiastic activism in the field of energy is confirming that Bihar is constantly moving towards light in safe hands.
The field of electricity has been considered a difficult field for women. Generally women have been reluctant to come into this field. But for some time now women have been successful in making their strong identity in this field. They are not only working sitting in offices but are also making their impressive presence felt in the field.
The Damodar of the four grids of the state is in the hands of women
Patna's Karbighhia grid is telling the story of women's efficiency and dedication in the energy sector. This grid is completely dedicated to the efficiency of women. This grid is completely handled by women. Its successful operation is being done through women power. Similarly, Karbighhia grid sub-station, Digha grid sub-station are also being operated by women workers. To make efficient use of the capabilities of women, three other grids Chandauti, Sabour and Digha were also started operating as women grids on the occasion of Women's Day in the year 2024. Women are not only handling the grid, but are also making their impressive presence felt in the Central Relay and Instrument Laboratory set up to investigate the faults in any grid station. Not only this, they are also working nights in the State Load Dispatch Center (SLDC).
Women's role is important in revenue collection
Women's participation in the field of revenue collection is also unprecedented. In the financial year 2023-24, a total of Rs 15,109 was collected by both the distribution companies. Along with men, women employees were also active in this work. Similarly, women employees have played an important role in the installation of smart prepaid meters. Whether it is door-to-door collection, installation of smart prepaid meters or making consumers aware through Suvidha App – women are handling every front strongly. Women workers are also playing a great role in the field of information and technology. Women workers are working in all three shifts in SCADA center.
Favourable environment for women
It is the result of the favourable environment being provided to women in the power sector that they are working better according to their full potential. They are constantly being encouraged to work in this field through distribution companies. Their every need is being taken care of at the workplace. Even crèche has been arranged for them, where they can leave their children safe and carry out their work in the office without any worry. 'Vithika' has been established to remove their fatigue at the workplace, where they can rest and fill themselves with energy. Full care is also being taken of the physical health and mental development of women workers. On one hand, sports are specially organized for them and on the other hand, art gallery and library have also been arranged for them. According to their interest, women employees participate in sports activities and take advantage of art gallery and library.
Special attention to women's safety
It is very important to have a safe environment for women employees at the workplace. Without a fear-free environment, it is not possible to imagine women employees working at a natural pace. To ensure their safety at the workplace, a special committee called 'Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) of Women' has been formed. If any kind of trouble arises from the side of men, then women can complain to this committee. This committee is responsible for their honor and safety at the workplace. This committee runs campaigns from time to time to make women aware of their rights and also organizes workshops. Through its work, this committee develops a sense of self-protection in women and educates and trains them to identify sexual attacks and lodge complaints at the right place, so that strict action can be taken against the attacker. This gives a clear message that there will be no compromise on the self-protection and dignity of women.
